Intimate partner violence: How advocating for our patients can save lives

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in the adult population - although a known entity experienced by one in four Australia women1 - is often misdiagnosed in medical imaging.2 IPV is defined by the World Health Organization as 'physical aggression, psychological abuse and/or controlling behaviours' between present or past intimate partners.3 It is an under-reported entity that disproportionately affects women and is currently the leading cause of premature death in women in Australia.4 Patients experiencing IPV may present unnoticed to emergency departments, often with concerns that do not directly relate to abuse.2 There are no pathognomonic radiographic features of IPV, although mismatches in provided clinical history and findings on physical and imaging examination can aid identification. Early identification of IPV is important to help remove victims from potentially fatal circumstances.5 Radiographers are in the unique position to assess clinical history against radiographic imaging in real time and can advocate for their patients. To fully comprehend the radiographic signs of IPV it is important to consider the provided clinical history, patient presentation and any past imaging. On completion of this poster, one will have the ability to: name and identity IPV injury patterns and their radiographic appearance evaluate clinical presentation against injuries to identify patterns that do not match advocate for patients when communicating to radiologists and requesting physicians Through championing education in this area, radiographers can develop their skills as part of a multi-disciplinary team to identify and flag signs of IPV that may have been overlooked in emergency presentations.